Press Release

Congressman Ami Bera, M.D. addressed the America's Health Insurance Plans Medicare conference today as the organization's featured speaker.

"As a doctor, I know firsthand how critical strengthening Medicare is for our seniors," said Bera. "Medicare Advantage plans cover 45 percent of Medicare recipients in Sacramento County, nearly 100,000 seniors, and deliver improved health outcomes while bringing down healthcare costs. I'll continue to fight against any cuts to this vital lifeline."

Congressman Bera has consistently advocated against cuts to the Medicare Advantage program that could increase premiums or reduce benefits. In April the administration listened to his call to stop the cuts, and ultimately increased average payment rates.

Medicare Advantage offers seniors choices for high quality, coordinated health care and is effective at managing chronic health conditions while increasing preventive, primary care.

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services recently announced that over half of seniors will see absolutely no increase in premiums for 2015.

In addition to leading the fight against cuts, Congressman Bera introduced a bill last year that would protect seniors by delaying the tax on Medicare Advantage plans. The Small Business and Family Relief Act would delay the tax on health insurance for two years.

Congressman Ami Bera, M.D. represents Sacramento County. Born and raised in California, Bera is a physician and the only Indian American currently serving in Congress. He's fighting to rebuild an economy that works for middle class families and to reduce our country's debt in a responsible way. One of Bera's first acts in Congress was to help lead the effort to pass the No Budget No Pay Act, which says if members of Congress don't pass a budget, they don't get paid. As a leader of the No Labels' Problem Solvers, he's working with people from both parties to find bipartisan solutions to our nation's challenges. He and his wife Janine live in Elk Grove with their daughter Sydra. For more updates on Rep. Bera follow @RepBera on Twitter, like Congressman Bera on Facebook, or visit https://www.bera.house.gov.